The beloved bald guy's multitasking spray cut through grease and grime more rapidly than the rest, leaving few streaks. Mr. Clean, the sole antibacterial spritz here, is a serious bargain at just 9¢ per ounce ($3 for 32 oz., amazon.com).

Coming in at a close second, Cinch ($3.49 for 32 oz., amazon.com) tackled all types of soil, excelling on stainless steel and glass. But it did leave dirt behind on a painted wall, which was among the easiest surfaces for its competitors to clean.

The only cleanser ($3.26 for 26 oz., amazon.com) that completely removed dirt from stainless steel, laminate, and a painted wall. We found that it required a few extra strokes to thoroughly clean glass, but it left little streaking; it also eliminated grease fast. Contains vinegar — though not its pungent smell.

A 2012 winner of our VIP (Very Innovative Products) Awards, this concentrated formula ($7 for 50 oz.; $4 for refills, myreplenish.com), in a squeezable pod, makes three bottles of a plant-based cleanser that works well on glass, laminate, steel, and walls. In lemon, lavender, green tea, and unscented.